Spherical nucleic acids set stage for new paradigm in drug development

(Northwestern University) A Northwestern University-led research team led is the first to show spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) can be used as potent drugs to effectively train the immune system to fight disease, by either boosting or dampening the immune response. By increasing the immune response toward a specific cell type, SNAs could be used to target anything from influenza to different forms of cancer. If used to suppress the immune response, SNAs could target autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news